How do you check the balance on a debit card?

A:

Quick Answer

Check the balance of a debit card by signing up for account alerts that advise you of your balance, if offered by the card issuer, or checking your bank statement, Consumer.gov advises. Some banks have online banking where you can access your accounts and check balances, Bank of America reports.

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You can check your balance in a number of different ways, depending on the card's issuer. Most debit card holders have the ability to check their balances at ATMs that accept the debit cards. Simply insert the card into the ATM, and then follow the instructions on how to obtain your balance as prompted, explains Consumer.gov.

Another type of debit card is a prepaid debit card, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains. To check a prepaid debit balance, call the live customer service number printed on the back of the card, or check the website. Many times the URL to the card's website is printed on the back of the card near the customer service phone number. You also can request paper statements be mailed to you, or use the card's automated customer service number to inquire about a balance. For a fee you may have the ability to check your balance through an ATM.